April Friye’s 40th birthday celebration included scheduling her first-ever mammogram with the Blessing Breast Center.
“I’ve always been very concerned about my own health, making sure I stay healthy,” the mother of two pre-teen boys said. “My maternal grandmother had breast cancer. I know the importance of finding it early.”
Today she not only knows it, April is a living, breathing example of the importance of early cancer detection. Her first mammogram detected breast cancer.
“Initially, the emotions were all over the place,” April said. “When I found out, I let myself absorb it, get all my crying out, and then it was, ‘be strong for the kids.’”
“I became strong for my boys and for myself, and just wanted to hit it head on. After that, I had a very positive attitude because I had so many people helping me on the journey.”
April forms her team
In addition to her children and husband of 17 years, Trevor, April’s Blessing healthcare team included her primary care provider Dr. Jonathon Wilford, surgeon Emmanuel Bessay, Blessing Cancer Center oncologist Kellie Flippin, plastic and reconstructive surgeon Arshad Muzaffar, and Blessing Breast Center patient navigator Jessica Nuebel, MSN, RN.
Jessica is a consistent point of contact for any breast cancer patient who requests her assistance. She is available to attend medical appointments to take notes and ensure the patient understands the information shared during the appointments. Jessica can also help address any barriers the patient may experience in complying with their plan of care throughout their treatment. There is no cost for her services.
“She was a godsend,” April said of Jessica. “She helped us with every stage of the process.”
“I am a person the patient can contact at any time with questions, big or small, for guidance,” Jessica said. “I have access to resources to help them through any challenges or difficulties they may have.”
In consultation with Dr. Bessay, April chose to have a double mastectomy.
“I did not want to have to think about it anymore,” she said about the recurrence of cancer. “I chose to have both breasts removed and not have to second guess myself constantly.”
After surgery with Dr. Bessay in spring of 2022, April had breast reconstructions surgery with Dr. Muzaffar in August.
“I cannot say enough about Dr. Muzaffar,” April said. “If I had to go out of town for this care, it would have cost me a lot of time and money. We are fortunate to have such an experienced plastic surgeon here at home.”
“Drs. Muzaffar and Bessay worked so great together and I am extremely happy with the results,” she added.
While April required no chemotherapy or radiation therapy, hormones fuel the growth of the type of breast cancer she had. April will be on a medication to address that risk for at least five years, when Dr. Flippin will reassess the situation.
Care starts with questions
April looks forward to attending many more of her sons’ baseball games and golf tournaments, and encourages all women to take care of their health for the people in their lives.
“Get your regular mammograms,” she said. “You have to be on top of your own health.”
“Ask a lot of questions, too,” April added. “I have learned each person’s experience with breast cancer is unique. It’s your own journey. You can listen to advice, but the decisions are yours ultimately.”
Every woman should speak with her primary care provider about a screening mammogram schedule, based on family history and personal risk factors. In general, women ages 45 to 54 are recommended to have a screening mammogram yearly.
For more information on Blessing’s nationally-certified breast cancer related services and the skilled, compassionate team of providers that delivers those services, visit the following online locations: